Social Stratification and Gender Inequality Overview

What is social stratification?

The ranking of categories of people in a vertical hierarchy, leading to unequal treatment.

What are the dimensions on which we stratify?

We stratify on various dimensions, including class, race, and gender.

What is social mobility?

The ability to move up or down the social class.

How is caste defined in terms of social stratification?

Status is inherited at birth.

What is the purpose of stratification in society?

To ensure that important social positions are well rewarded and filled by the most competent people.

What is status inconsistency according to Lensk?

It is problematic because individuals want to maximize their own social standing.

What are the main social classes identified by Karl Marx?

Capitalist (1%), Upper middle (14%), Middle (30%).

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex is biological identity, while gender is a social identity and construct.

What is gender polarization?

Viewing men and women as opposites.

What are some inequalities of sex and gender?

Inequalities exist in employment, earnings, education, politics, and home chores.

How does socialization contribute to gender inequality?

Through influences like media, peers, religion, and the types of toys/clothes given to children.

What is symbolic interactionism's view on language and gender?

Language can perpetuate male dominance by trivializing, sexualizing, or ignoring women.

What is the concept of race in sociology?

Race is a social construct; there is no biological basis for race.

What is racial and ethnic inequality?

The ongoing segregation in schools and other societal institutions.

What does the term 'social class' refer to?

A collection of people who rank closely to one another in wealth, power, or prestige.

What does androgyny mean?

The integration of typical masculine and feminine traits in an individual.

What is gender segregation?

The pattern where women and men are situated in different roles in the labor force.

What is patriarchy?

A social system where men dominate society.

What is feminism and its waves?

1st wave: voting rights (1920); 2nd wave: pro-choice and violence reduction (1960s); 3rd wave: sexual harassment and intersectionality; 4th wave: intersectionality and internet activism (2010).

What is ethnicity?

Cultural distinctiveness.

What does racial formation refer to?

The process of creating racial and ethnic categories.

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